Pavement Marker

ABSTRACT

A pavement marker is disclosed that includes a base member, two opposite resilient members and an upright member, wherein the upright member has an ends that extend laterally from a central section and are received into the opposite resilient members. The base member is substantially planar with side rails and extends under the upright member and is adapted to receive and retain the resilient members. The resilient members hold the upright member in an upright position and allow for rotation of said upright member in response to a force applied to the upright member, and a central section of the upright member includes a reflective surface.

The Applicant claims the benefit of U.S. application Ser. No. 61/756,182 filed on Jan. 24, 2013 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,518,365 on Dec. 12, 2016. The present invention is directed at improved pavement markers. While there are numerous devices that have been developed to mark pavement used for road surfaces to increase the visibility of the edges of lanes on roadways especially for wet pavement, there remains a need for devices that are inexpensive, effective, easy to install and durable. In particular, there remains a need for pavement marker devices that are not easily damaged from snowplows, and that can easily be installed on roadways while at the same time can withstand extreme temperatures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed at pavement markers that allow vehicle drivers to better discern the edges of the lanes of roadways. Embodiments include a planar base member that has openings through which a pair of resilient support members is received. The resilient members are comprised of polyurethane and are adapted to receive a reflector member and hold the reflective member in an upright position. If a force is applied to the reflector member, it can pivot on an axis at a location near the bottom of the reflector member and be displaced so that it substantially parallel with the planar surface defined by the base member. When the force is removed, the reflector will quickly return to its upright position. In embodiments, the marker device is installed in a groove that has a floor that is below the driving surface of a roadway. Typically the grooves provided on roadway surfaces are oriented parallel with the lane of a roadway on which traffic travels. The base of the device is fastened to the floor of the groove. In a preferred embodiment the base member is attached to the road surface with an epoxy resin which functions as an adhesive. A series of passages are provided through the base member that serve to increase the surface area to which the epoxy can bond with base member and, when in a fluid state, allows the epoxy to flow through the passage and expand. When the epoxy hardens it therefore forms both a mechanical and chemical bond with the road surface. The passages also serve to decrease the weight of the base member and the amount of material that is needed to manufacture the base member base without materially sacrificing the strength of the base member.

In alternative contemplated embodiments, the device may be attached to the bottom surface of a groove using fasteners or combinations of adhesive and fasteners. In other embodiments, a reflector is provided on a base member and is maintained in place by resilient pad members positioned on either side of an upright member. When a force is exerted on the reflective surface the upright member pivots down toward the base member. When the force is removed, the resilient member causes the reflective member to return to the upright position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the based member of the invention depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front view in elevation of the base member of the invention depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the based member of the invention depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a side view in elevation of a base member of a second embodiment of the invention with the locking member removed and the upright member and resilient pad shown in section.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the reflector element that is can be used in either embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the reflector element.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the reflector element.

FIG. 10 is a front view in elevation of the reflector element

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the resilient member according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a side view in elevation of the resilient member depicted in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a top view of the resilient member of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a side view in elevation of a resilient member of FIG. 11.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a base member of a second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the base member of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a front view in elevation of the base member of the second embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a top view of an insert locking member used in connection with a second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 19 a bottom view of an insert locking member used in connection with a second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 20 is a side view in elevation of the insert depicted in FIG. 18.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the insert depicted in FIG. 18.

FIG. 22 is an end view of the insert depicted in FIG. 18.

FIG. 23 is a side view in elevation of the base member of the first embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a top view of the base member depicted in FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 depicts a pavement marker according to an embodiment of the invention within a groove provided within a paved surface.

FIG. 26 depicts a top view of an alternative embodiment of a reflector member that includes a planar diaphragm element.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the reflector member of FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 is a top view of the reflector member of FIG. 26 with an alternative base member embodiment.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the reflector in an alternative base member embodiment without the locking member in place on the right side of the device.

FIG. 30 is a top plan view of a further embodiment of the base member that is configured to receive planar flap member.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a reflector member with elastic flap members extending laterally from the central reflector body.

FIG. 32 is a perspective sectional fragmentary view showing the recessed area and pins for engagement of the elastic flap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Now referring to FIG. 1 a first embodiment of a pavement marker according to the invention includes a base member 101, resilient support members 107 and 108 and upright reflective member 105. The resilient members 107 and 108 receive upright member 105. If a force is applied on the planar surface of the upright member 105 at a position above the location where the member is engage by the resilient members 107 and 108, the upright member 105 may be displaced, pivoting at the engagement location within the resilient members 107 and 108 wherein the top of the upright member 105 moves toward the base member 101.

Base member 101 of this embodiment is made from galvanized steel and has a thickness of 0.040 inches. The base member also includes guard elements 210 and 211 that protect the resilient members. As best seen in FIG. 2 on opposite ends of the base member members are slots 201 and 204 which are sized to receive resilient members. FIG. 3 depicts base member 101 in elevation that shows the guard members 210 and 211 that extend there from. In embodiments, the ends of the guard members are attached to the base member by welding. In other embodiments, fasteners such as rivets or screws or a chemical adhesive may be employed to secure the guard to the planar section of the base member. FIG. 4 depicts a bottom view of the base member 101 that shows the opposite slots 201 and 204 that are provide through the base member. The guard 210 is visible through slot 201.

Now referring to FIG. 7, upright member 105 has a trapezoid region 717 that receives a reflective surface. On opposite sides of the member are arms 720 and 721 which extend from a rod-shaped base section 719. While the arms 720 and 722 have a flat planar profile, as best seen in FIG. 8, an axial section through base section 720 is round. In embodiments, the upright member 105 is comprised of galvanized steel. The upright member and base member could be comprised of other materials including synthetic resins such as polyethylene, polypropylene and nylon. Region 717 of upright member 105 may be rendered reflective using a reflective coating, reflective tape or other reflective surface materials, such as synthetic resins. Thus, the reflective surface is created by the application of reflective tape, such as that marketed by the 3M company that reflects light. A variety of colors of made of reflective tape may be used depending on the particular application or roadway that is marked.

Referring now to FIG. 11 the resilient member 108 is generally in the shape of a half circle section 117 that extends from a flange section 131. Second flange element 130 serves to retain the resilient member securely on the base member plate at a location between flange 131 and 130. Provided though the resilient member 108 is passage 115 that receives an extension 720 or 722 that is integral to upright member 105. Passage 115 includes two opposite arms 120 and 126 that define a slot 115 into which the planar extension portion 720 of the upright member is received. The passage includes oval shaped openings such as passages 150 and 151 that facilitate the ability of the upright member 105 to pivot within resilient member 108.

FIG. 14 depicts a side view in elevation of the resilient member 108 that depicts the passages 150 and 151 though the center of the structure. The extensions 120 and 126 that extend within the resilient member are generally “T shaped.” It contemplated that other arrangements may also be used provide that they allow for pivotal rotation within the resilient member. In preferred embodiments, resilient member is made from polyurethane. It is contemplated that other materials could be used that have similar elasticity properties. While the preferred embodiment uses a synthetic resin, it is contemplated that other materials may be used that provide for similar resilient properties. On the preferred embodiment the resilient member 108 has a height of about ⅞ of an inch and a width of about 0.25 inches.

While the resilient member depicted in the embodiments herein has a half circle profile, it is contemplated that other shaped profile could be advantageously used including squares, triangles and rectangles. It is further contemplated that other opening designs could be employed to retain the planar and facilitate pivotal motion of the upper member within the device.

Now referring to FIG. 24, a top plan view of the base member 101 is provided that includes an illustration of guard members 210 and 211 that protect the resilient members 108 and 107. A series of openings such has through-hole 181 are provided on both sides of the device which result in a lighter yet strong part, and increase the surface area that the epoxy can engage the device, and they can receive mechanical fasteners such as nails, bolts etc.

Now referring to FIG. 15, an alternative embodiment of the invention is depicted. In this embodiment the pavement marker 808 includes base member 802 is provided with a transverse groove 810 that is sized to receive the base member 719 of upright member 105. The one end of the base member is inserted into seat 815 which allows the member to pivot within the groove and end seat. The opposite end of the base member is secured into position by a locking member (not shown) that is received in slot 820. A series of openings such as 830, 831, 840 and 841 are provided around the periphery of the base member that are used in connection with securing the base member to the pavement or other surface. The base member defines a central regions or cavities 848 and 849 that are designed to receive resilient member. The base member can be secured using an epoxy resin such as described above or with fasteners. As best seen in FIG. 6, the through holes such as hole are smaller than the opening that provide access to the hole on the top surface wherein the ledge area 851 can receive the epoxy as it flows through or the head of fasteners can engage ledge 851. As seen on FIG. 16, the bottom of the base member 802 is generally planar and, as illustrated therein, the holes 830, 831 841 and 840 extend through the base member.

Locking member 950 that is received in slot 820 is depicted in FIGS. 18-22. Referring to FIG. 22, the locking member 950 includes opposite extensions 960 and 961. Provided on one side of the central section 951 is a semicircular passage 965 that is designed to receive the base member 791 of upright member 105 and allow for limited rotation therein. Referring to FIG. 6, the extensions 960 and 961 are received in opposite slots 980 and 981 that are provided on sidewall 971 of the base member 802. The embodiment of FIG. 6 also includes the resilient members 908 and 909 located in slots 991 and 909 provided on opposite sides of the base member. Members 908 and 909 have the substantially the same structure as resilient member 108 as depicted in FIGS. 11-14. As best seen in FIG. 6, resilient pads 1001 and 1002 are received in cavities 848 and 849 and surfaces 1005 and 1006 of said pads 1001 and 1002 define a gap or slot 816 that allows access to groove 810 into which the base member 719 of upright member is received. The pads, which are rectangular have flat top and bottom surfaces and can be glued into the base member 808, can be held in place by frictional engagement or a combination of both. It is contemplated that the base member may comprise other shapes including circular, oval or other polygons. As such the pad members may also comprise different shapes, such as semicircular, provided there is an elongate slot to receive said upright member and maintain the member in an upright position. The upright member 105 can thereby pivot within the grove in response to a force that is applied to the reflector surface area 717 toward the base member. The upright member is maintained in an upright position by the opposite resilient pads 1002 and 1003. These resilient pads may be comprised of polyurethane or latex or other materials that have similar resilient characteristics such as silicone foam, or neoprene.

FIG. 5 depicts an end view of the base member 802 with the resilient member 1001 and 1002 in section with the upright member in a home and upright position. Section 717 of upright member 105 is positioned and maintained in an upright position within the gap between the two resilient pads 1001 and 1002 and pivots on base member 719. If a force is applied to the surface 718 it will displace the member into pad 1001. When the force is removed, the resilient member 1001 will cause the member to return to the upright position.

As seen in FIG. 25, the first embodiment described is shown installed in a flat bottomed groove or trench 720 provided within a road driving surface 725 a and 725 b. The bottom surface of the groove 791 receives the base support member 101 of the device. The device may be secured within the groove by adhesives such as epoxy, fasteners or both. In preferred embodiments, the groove should have a depth of ⅞ of inch.

Now referring to FIG. 26, an alternative reflector member 2601 is depicted that includes vertical section 2610 that extends upward from member 2016. Extending laterally from each side of the upright member are planar sections 2620 and 2621. Planar sections 2620 and 2621 are comprised of a flexible thermoplastic material such as polyurethane and serve to prevent ice, snow, sand and other debris from filling the base member and interfering with the ability of the upright member to rotate downward. In an embodiment, during manufacturing, a thermoplastic planar part is formed and integrated with an upright member 2610 by allowing heated thermoplastic material to flow through the openings 2630 and then, when cooled, the planar sections are integrated and secured to the upright member.

Now referring to FIG. 28, a top view of an alternative reflector embodiment including an upright member 3010 and a base member 3001. Base member has opposite rails 3013 and 3014 each of with received resilient members 3030 and 3031 respectively, locking member 3005 fits in rail 3013 to secure the resilient member and to retain the arm 3011 of upright member 3010. A complementary locking member 3007 is found on the opposite side. Here the planar member 3012 has a central slot through which the upright member 30110 is inserted. The planar member 3012 is secured to the upright member by a series of flanges 3015, 3016, 3017, 3026, 2027 and 3028. Base member 3001 has a leading edge 3019 and trailing edge 3029 that is not confined by upright rail members and as such the material is not captured and retained in the region between the two rails 3013 and 3014. FIG. 29 depicts base member 3001 and upright member 3010 in perspective. A flexible sheet 3012 extends from both sides of the reflector member. This device uses resilient members as disclosed in FIGS. 11-14 and are inserted into the base member through openings that received the rounded region in order to allow the upright member bearing the reflective surface to be pivoted or rotated. Base member 3001 has a plurality of through-holes that are used to secure the member to pavement or other base material. The upright members that includes the planar members extending therefrom protective elements can be used with other the base members described herein.

FIG. 30 depicts a based member 4000 that is configured to receive upright member 4005 of FIG. 31. The upright member 4005 includes planar flap members 4032 and 4031 which extend laterall from the upright section 4018. Base member 4000 includes opposite voids 4010 and 4011 to receive resilient hinge members which engage the upright members. Base member 4000 includes a recessed ledge regions 4015 and 4016 on which are raised planar flap members that extend from opposite side for the upright member. A plurality of posts 4020 and 4025 extend upwardly from the recessed ledge for engagement of opposite holes, such as holes 4070 and 4071 that are provided on the edge of the flap member 4032. As best seen in FIG. 32, the recessed ledge 4015 is below rail member 4085 and side rail 4005. Rails 4005 and 4085 defines a recessed area into which the top of the upright member 4018 that integrates a reflector surface reflector member is received in response to pressure on the reflector element. A series of post 4020 extend from ledge 4015 and are designed to engage the flap member. The planar flap members are elastic and can be stretched to engage the posts and, in response to pressure from the reflector will deform vertically. In an embodiment that planar flap members are comprised of an elastic polymer. In other embodiments, other elastic fabric may be used, including both woven and non-woven materials.

In embodiments, the upright member is metallic and may be made from aluminum. Other metals and alloys can be advantageously used as well as strong thermoplastic resin materials and composites of both thermoplastics resins and metallic elements.

Advantages of the invention include the upright orientation of the reflective surface minimizes the abrasion and allows the device to shed water and dirt because of the resilient motion. Moreover, the reflector element, if damaged or removed, may be easily replaced while the based member is secured to a road surface. The materials specified can perform up to in extreme temperatures up to −0 degrees F. and the device is not damaged from impacts with snowplows or tires.

It will be clear to one skilled in the art that the embodiments described above can be altered in many ways without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined by the following claims and their legal equivalents. 

1. A pavement marker comprising a base member, two opposite resilient members and an upright member, said upright member having an ends extending laterally from a central section, said base member comprising a substantially planar base section that extends under said upright member and is adapted to receive and retain said resilient members, said resilient members spaced apart from one another and each having an opening adapted to receive said opposite arms of said upright member and retain said upright member in an upright position and allow for rotation of said upright member in response to a force applied to said upright member, and wherein said central section of said upright member comprises a reflective surface.
 2. The pavement marker recited in claim 1 wherein each said opening or each said resilient member is made from a thermoplastic material and said member further defines a slot and said slot is adapted to receive an arm that extends from said upright member.
 3. The pavement marker recited in claim 2 wherein each said resilient member comprises polyurethane.
 4. The pavement marker recited in claim 2 wherein said slot is defined by opposite “t Shaped” arms that extend from said base member and the base member has through holes adjacent to both sides of the base of said T-shaped arms.
 5. The pavement marker recited in claim 2 wherein said resilient members have a semicircular profile.
 6. The pavement marker recited in claim 2 further comprising guard elements wherein said guard elements extend from said base member and over said resilient members and thereby allow access to said resilient members on lateral and protect said resilient members from impact
 7. The pavement marker as recited in claim 1 wherein the resilient member comprises a vertical opening that is sized and shaped to receive an extension arm provided from said upright member and said size and shape of said opening is polygonal.
 8. The pavement marker as recited in claim 1 wherein said base member comprises a plurality of through holes, and lateral side rails which receive said resilient members.
 9. The pavement marker device as recited in claim 1 wherein said resilient members are formed to receive a polygonal end section of an arm of an upright member.
 10. The pavement marker device as recited in claim 9 wherein said resilient member further comprise voids and said voids facilitate the ability of the arms to rotate within the resilient member.
 11. The pavement marker device recited in claim 1 wherein said upright member further comprise planar members and wherein said planar members extend laterally from said upward members and into a plan that is substantially parallel with a plane defined by the base member.
 12. The device of claims 11 wherein said planar members are comprised of a flexible material.
 13. The device of claims 12 wherein said planar members are comprised of polyurethane. 